The city of Elmhurst has begun discussions about the proposed budget for the 2017 fiscal year, and compared with the previous year, city staff is expecting a reduction in revenue and expenditures. The budget approval process (http://elmhurst.org/1539/2017-Budget) involves a thorough public review that includes a presentation from each of the departments in City Hall as well as the library and the Elmhurst History Museum.

The council met Nov. 7 to begin the discussion. As the review advances, aldermen may suggest changes, amendments or revisions that will shape the document into its final approved version. Speaking in favor of the budget as presented to the council, Fourth Ward Alderman Kevin York pointed out that staff had made a deliberate effort to cut the tax levied on Elmhurst residents.

“I just wanted to bring to the attention of the City Council that what city staff has proposed with this budget will result in $310,000 less tax levy this year than last,” York said.

The total proposed revenue for the 2017 fiscal year is $127,240,371, a 10.6 percent reduction from the 2016 proposed revenue of $142,449,523.

“This is the first time that I can remember that city staff has come to City Council with a budget that is actually looking for a lower tax levy than the previous year,” York said.

For the general fund, the proposed revenue is $58,819,060 while expenditures are $61,769,414. To cover for the $3,605,834 deficit, city staff suggests tapping into the fund balance, which would result in a balance at the end of the 2017 fiscal year of $16,481,241, still within the city’s policy of 25 to 33 percent of operating expenditures.

The Elmhurst City Council meets again Nov. 14 to continue discussions over the proposed budget.